HYBE Latin Boy Group SANTOS BRAVOS Debuts With Sold-Out Concert and 70,000 Online Viewers
HYBE’s first Latin boy group SANTOS BRAVOS made a powerful debut, leading an arena-wide sing-along and igniting fans’ excitement from their very first concert.
On October 22 (KST), the group held their debut concert at Auditorio Nacional, a historic 10,000-seat venue in Mexico City. Tickets sold out quickly, and the venue was filled with the vibrant rhythms and grooves characteristic of Latin pop. The concert was livestreamed through HYBE Labels’ official YouTube channel, attracting about 70,000 simultaneous online viewers and surpassing 430,000 cumulative views to date.
From Latin Auditions to K-pop Training
SANTOS BRAVOS was formed through HYBE Latin America’s large-scale audition project. Out of thousands of applicants across Latin America, 17 contestants advanced past the first round and underwent six months of K-pop system–based training. Five finalists were ultimately chosen as members: Drew (U.S./Mexico), Alejandro (Peru), Kaue (Brazil), Gabi (Puerto Rico), and Kenneth (Mexico).
They earned the highest evaluations in multiple areas including vocals, performance, expressiveness, and global star potential. Their diverse cultural backgrounds and distinctive personalities have created a powerful synergy, which was fully showcased during their debut concert.
The group impressed audiences with their refined emotional delivery and stable live vocals. Blending K-pop’s polished production system with Latin pop’s upbeat and optimistic energy, SANTOS BRAVOS revealed a distinctive and dynamic identity. When they performed their debut track “0%,” fans stood up in unison, singing along passionately to the chorus despite hearing it for the first time.
Tears, Cheers, and a Global Debut
The five members’ stage presence drew particular praise. Despite being rookies who had just completed months of intense training, they performed with confidence and a strong connection to the audience.
Maknae Kenneth shed tears as he told fans, “The past six months were full of challenges, but we did it.” Leader Drew added, “Each and every one of you is part of our journey,” prompting emotional responses from the crowd — some fans were even seen tearing up during the moment.
Their debut song “0%” combines a bold bassline, sophisticated electronic sound, and fast-paced Latin pop melody. The lyrics — “The sun rises, my phone battery is at 0%, but it doesn’t matter” — deliver an energetic message about living life to the fullest even when you’re running on empty. The track was produced by global hitmaker Johnny Goldstein, with Grammy-winning songwriter Dani Rondon, Vibarco, and Castle participating in its creation.
HYBE Latin America’s VP of Creative & A&R Santiago Duque explained,
“Our challenge was to find a balance between the energy of K-pop and the rhythm of Latin music. ‘0%’ maintains the vocal harmony and choreography that define K-pop while integrating Latin beats and emotions.”
The Next Step in HYBE’s Global Strategy
SANTOS BRAVOS marks HYBE’s second major Latin project under Chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s “multi-home, multi-genre” strategy, which aims to localize the K-pop production system to discover global stars. Following the success of the Latin audition show “Pase a la Fama” — which launched groups like Musa and Destino — SANTOS BRAVOS represents the next chapter of HYBE’s Latin expansion.
Meet the Members
Drew (24) leads the group with both charisma and exceptional talent in vocals and performance.
Alejandro (21), a former tennis player who later attended USC’s Thornton School of Music, captivates fans with his emotive voice.
Gabi (20), born in Miami and raised in Puerto Rico, stands out for his confident visuals and stage energy.
Kaue (20), known for his versatility across Brazilian funk and pop, is already being called an “all-rounder idol” by fans.
Kenneth (16), the youngest, has been immersed in music since the age of three and is regarded as a natural-born musician.
HYBE’s Latin debut group has successfully bridged two musical worlds — combining the precision and intensity of K-pop with the warmth and rhythm of Latin pop — marking a major step forward in the company’s global music ambitions.
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